Check out this video from CASCOM's YouTube page highlighting the mission and capabilities of the Army's Sustainment Think Tank!

First women Multiple Launch Rocket System crew members graduate

The first class of women Soldiers in the 13M, Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember military occupation specialty, graduated Advanced Individual Training April 30, 2013, at Fort Sill. They are part of history as they enlisted in an MOS that was previously closed to women. Lt. Col. David Lewis, 1st Battalion, 78th Field Artillery, commander, said Pvt. Alexandra Seccareccio was the honor grad with a 100 percent average for the course, "raising the bar for all Soldiers." (U.S. Army photo)

United Kingdom general visits TRADOC

Lt. Gen. David Halverson, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Training

and Doctrine Command, poses for a photo with Maj. Gen. Bruce Brealey, director general for the United Kingdom's Force Development and Training Command, April 30. Brealey is the UK's equivalent to the director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center, and this was his second visit to TRADOC. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Steven Schneider)

Network Integration Evaluation 13.2 is part of a number of Soldier-led evaluations designed to further integrate and rapidly progress the Army's tactical network. NIE 13.2 is the fifth in a series of these semi-annual evaluations and will take place at Fort Bliss, Texas, and White Sands Missile Range, N.M., May 4-27, 2013.

More than 3,800 Soldiers of the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division (2/1 AD) will conduct operational tests and evaluations in realistic mission environments designed to measure network performance at all echelons.

The event will execute the Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation for Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) Increment 2, the backbone of the Army's tactical network, and will continue solidification of the network baseline by evaluating an additional four systems under test and several industry and government systems under evaluation and demonstration.

Tenn. program overcomes challenges for national drill title by Steve Arel, U.S. Army Cadet Command

West Creek High School students celebrate during the National High School Drill Team Championships May 4.

(U.S. Army photo by Steve Arel)

Khianna Anthony and Christopher West began their JROTC careers four years ago at the new West Creek High School, novices in the sport of drill. They'll graduate this spring as national champions.

The Tennessee program claimed its first title Saturday, capturing the challenge level of the National High School Drill Team Championships. West Creek, winning two of the four competition categories, beat out Passiac High School, a Navy program from New Jersey.

The secretary of the Army has directed immediate action in the face of significant budgetary uncertainty in the coming months to reduce expenditures. The uncertain fiscal year 2013 funding, caused by the combined effects of a possible yearlong continuing resolution and sequestration, may result in adverse effects on TRADOC civilian personnel.

Click herefor information and frequently asked questions provided by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command G-1.

Gen. Robert W. Cone, commanding general of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, delivers the commencement address during a Citadel graduation, May 4 at the McAlister Field House. (courtesy photo)

Gen. Robert W. Cone, commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Eustis, Va., delivered the keynote address at the South Carolina Corps of Cadets commencement ceremony May 4 at The Citadel. Cone congratulated the cadets for choosing to take the road less traveled when enrolling at The Citadel four years ago.

"The world is as exciting and as unpredictable as it's ever been and as you go forth realize that there is a fine line between success and failure," he said. "In that spirit, while you will succeed, you will also fail. A true test of character is how well you handle adversity."

Cone encouraged the 468 cadets, veteran students and active duty military personnel graduating today to remember "you start building your professional reputation on the first day of your job, and you build the right character with consistency. A strong record of character is like a suit of armor - a false accusation will not hurt you."

Cone shared his belief that "life is really all about people." He said he is proudest of the number of officers and non-officers throughout his career over any material success.

"You have unparalleled opportunity for leadership. Be a leader. Lead by your actions and lead with honor at all times, not just when it's convenient," he said.

During the commencement Cone was presented with an honorary degree of Doctor of Military Science by The Citadel Board of Visitors in recognition of his principled leadership and the positive influence has exerted on the lives of so many servicemen and women.

A 1979 graduate of the United States Military Academy, Cone is responsible for educating and training Army soldiers, leaders and civilian, as well as, developing the support mechanisms to ensure the success of our troops. He is a highly decorated officer and senior Army leader with significant combat command and training experience.

Maneuver Center of Excellence to use university model to maximize efficiency

by Lori Egan, Bayonet & Saber

Staff Sgt. Cesar Hembree with 4th Ranger Training Battalion demonstrates the Australian rappel before the Ranger Class 5-13 graduation, April 26, 2013, at Fort Benning, Ga. The Maneuver School of Excellence plans to functionally realign its brigades to streamline brigade structure, maximize efficiency and reduce redundancy. (U.S. Army photo by Lori Egan)

Change and innovation have been constants at Fort Benning since Congress first authorized the creation of then Camp Benning in the fall of 1918.

During its first 95 years, Fort Benning secured its place as the premier training center for the profession of arms, developing such military leaders as five-star generals Omar Bradley, George Marshall, and Dwight D. Eisenhower plus notable four-star generals like George Patton and Colin Powell.

Then, when the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Law, known as BRAC, required the Armor School to relocate here from Fort Knox, Ky., the wheels were once again set in motion for another chapter of innovation at Fort Benning. That chapter, or "opportunity," began in September 2011 with the historic completion of the BRAC movement of thousands of Soldiers and civilians to the newly formed Maneuver Center of Excellence, or MCoE, here, a huge culture shift.

This co-location of maneuver leaders from the Infantry and the Armor communities also created a great opportunity, said Todd Ratliff, chief of G3 Plans.

"This allowed us to see additional possibilities associated with information sharing, training effectiveness and resource efficiencies, while still maintaining branch-specific traditions, cultures and skills," Ratliff said.

So with two, high-profile Army schools here, it made sense to model training after the tenets of the University System, reorganizing to a Functional Brigade alignment, said Gary Jones, director of Public Affairs for the Maneuver Center of Excellence.

"This will streamline brigade structures to achieve maximum efficiency and reduce redundancy," he said. "Branch proponency will remain an essential part of our MCoE culture during the reorganization, which is now in progress. It most importantly facilitates the MCoE objective to develop agile adaptive leaders in functional training programs to ensure the combat effectiveness of the force," said Jones, as he described the Maneuver Leader Development Strategy, one of the commanding general's priorities.

This functional brigade structure will support the MCoE leader development strategy by using a combined arms approach to align training within Professional Military Education and functional courses, he said.

Network Integration Evaluation, or NIE, 13.2 will continue the Army's goal of connecting the Soldier to the network and will simulate the complexities of an armored brigade combat team conducting contingency operations in a forwarddeployed environment. Operational focus areas include extending the network to Soldiers, enhancing the common operational picture and enabling collaborative decision making through mission command on the move.

NIE is the Army's most effective test and procurement system for networks and is critical to U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command's drive toward the best battlefield equipment and systems.

Snap-linked to the training is the evaluation of various integrated tactical network capabilities and combat technologies such as the Nett Warrior and the Joint Battle Command --Platform.

"We must get a mission-command-on-the-move capability and soon," said Gen. Robert W. Cone, commanding general of TRADOC. "Mission command on the move is a central feature of any variety of contingencies we talk about. Our commanders and leaders must be able to seamlessly transition across the battlefield whether they are in a command post, platform or dismounted."

Lt. Col. Roman Cantu, battalion commander for 1-35 AR, said the training is paramount for him and his Soldiers.

"During the course of NIE 13.2, we will train on three of the four major mission sets within decisive action -- offense, defense and stability operations," said Cantu. "As we conduct these missions, we'll provide candid feedback as to whether or not that piece of equipment facilitated mission execution."

"The NIE is not only about testing and evaluation, more importantly, it's an outstanding training venue that allows our brigade to get better on our core mission set while simultaneously providing valuable feedback on future force fieldings," said Cantu.

Cantu said the network's ability to support the warfighter will be put to the test throughout the exercise. This may include deliberate attacks or breaching a complex obstacle, which would require assured voice and digital communications among breach, assault and support by fire elements.

"As a battalion commander, the network must be able to facilitate my ability to make an informed decision," said Cantu. "Additionally, the network should contribute to my ability to redirect combat power quickly on the battlefield as a threat emerges."

Army officials have stated that evaluating equipment or capabilities during the NIE alleviates potential "discovery learning" for Soldiers who are forward-deployed conducting real-world operations, thus allowing them to focus on mission execution.

I was excited when I learned I was selected to become the first woman instructor for the U.S. Army Ordnance School's 91M, Bradley Systems Maintainer course. The Army has provided me with many challenging assignments that provided growth and professional development opportunities. This assignment offered me a unique chance to be a part of a team that is shaping the Army's future.

When I arrived at Fort Benning's Bradley Training Division, which is part of 3rd Battalion, 81st Armor Regiment, the instructors welcomed me as one of their own. My fellow noncommissioned officers readily assisted me in preparing for the most important job in the Army - training ordnance Soldiers. The technical certification was tough and very challenging but many years of ordnance experience had fully prepared me to be successful.

I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity to teach, train and mentor our future Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainers.

One of the highlights of my career, so far, is being able to contribute to the successful integration of females into this career field. The Ordnance Corps is leading the way and helping ensure our Army's future strength, because the strength of our Army has always been its people. I'm proud to play a small role in this historical transition. I have a strong passion for teaching and mentoring these young Warriors, as they transition into Army Strong Soldiers - men and women who are physically and mentally ready to serve as a BFV System Maintainer.

Troop redeployments from Afghanistan, force drawdown, force restructuring, and an evolving national security climate require the Army of 2020 to be diverse and adaptive and learn and respond faster than the enemy to "guarantee the agility, versatility and depth to prevent, shape and win," according to the 2012 Army Strategic Planning Guidance.

Combatant commanders need technically proficient Soldiers who can quickly adapt to new situations, think on their feet, and work in complex environments. Skills-based training (SBT) and credentialing improve readiness and allow our logistics units to more responsibly support unified land operations of the future. These initiatives demonstrate our efforts to reinvigorate our core competencies in order to extend operational reach and enable freedom of action.

The sustainment community recognizes the need to provide commanders with personnel who are better equipped to handle the changing operational environment we face today and who can effectively work on multiple pieces of equipment. The Combined Arms Support Command is delivering just such game-changing professionals, beginning with our advanced individual training graduates.

APPLYING SKILLS-BASED TRAINING

"Nearly a decade of conflict has shown the Army that it is extraordinarily difficult to prepare Soldiers for every battlefield contingency. Instead, Soldiers and leaders must master a set of critical core competencies that provide a foundation for operational adaptability," according to the Training and Doctrine Command Pamphlet 525--8--2, Army Learning Concept 2015.

At the Army Ordnance School, AIT Soldiers are developing the 21st century competencies of adaptability and initiative, teamwork and collaboration, and critical thinking and problem solving by using the tenets of skills-based training. SBT promotes the development of today's Soldiers through the practical application of knowledge and skills using operational situations. Teaching Soldiers to become critical thinkers--capable of understanding problems as they arise rather than simply repairing specific equipment items--allows them to more rapidly become productive members of their units' maintenance teams.

SBT relies heavily on three of the basic tenets of adult learning theory: experience (including mistakes) provides the basis for learning; adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance to their jobs or personal life; and adults learn best when learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented.

Wearing safety equipment, new Soldiers in Basic Combat Training in the 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, spar last week with pugil sticks. Pugil sticks are padded devices used since World War II by military personnel in training for rifle and bayonet combat. (U.S. Army photo by Wallace McBride)

Near the end of Basic Combat Training, new Soldiers will spend a few hours facing off against each other in pugilstick bouts.

Pugil sticks are padded training weapons used since World War II by military personnel in training for rifle and bayonet combat. In 2010, though, the Army overhauled Basic Combat Training to reflect changes in the modern battlefield.

Bayonet training was abandoned, and traditional combatives were reconfigured to focus on hand-to-hand fighting and handheld weapons.

The function of pugil-stick training is to mimic fighting with a rifle," said Staff Sgt. Jason Schuman, a drill sergeant with 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment. "One of the pugil stick's ends is red to signify where a bayonet would be. The black end simulates the butt stock."

The training session allows Soldiers to practice fighting with a rifle in a safe, controlled environment, he said. It's also an opportunity to gain confidence in their newfound abilities Near the end of Basic Combat Training, new Soldiers will spend a few hours facing off against each other in pugil-stick bouts.

Brig. Gen. Bryan Roberts, Fort Jackson commanding general, helps a Special Olympics athlete out of the pool during last year's competitions. This year marks 45 years since Fort Jackson began hosting the event. (U.S. Army photo)

When I was growing up, I was heavily involved in athletics. Sports, from my childhood through college years, provided me with excitement, camaraderie and lessons about life.

As a sports fan, I am always excited to see athletes compete and demonstrate courage, resilience and sportsmanship. From my personal experience, I know that there is a lot that goes into preparing oneself for the game: a healthy diet, physical fitness and practice. That's why I relish any opportunity to acknowledge athletes for their hard work and congratulate them for putting forth their best efforts.

Special Olympics continues tradition at Fort Jackson

This weekend, we will have the privilege of meeting some of our state's premier athletes at the Summer Games of the Special Olympics South Carolina. This year marks 45 years since Fort Jackson began hosting the event. The annual Summer Special Olympic games have made a tremendous impact on our Soldiers, Families and the surrounding community. This year, we plan to host more than 1,200 athletes, 800 volunteers and 250 coaches participating in the summer games. That's an increase of more than 300 athletes from last year.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people 8 and older with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Command Sgt. Maj. Terrence Murphy observes training during the Best Warrior Competition in April. Murphy said the Best Warrior Competition is an excellent example of quality training done in a time of budget contraints. The competition used simulators and relied more on foot travel than previous competitions. (U.S. Army photo by Robert Johnson)

If you ask Command Sgt. Maj. Terrence Murphy how he got to where he is today as the top noncommissioned officer on Fort Leonard Wood, he would smile and tell you it's all about setting goals.

"When I came into the Army, I set a goal for myself to become a sergeant, then a drill sergeant. Once there, I set my sights on becoming a first sergeant and a battalion command sergeant major. I never got ahead of my next goal," the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence command sergeant major said during a recent interview.

With a superior career record and a living example of the Army values, there is little doubt that Murphy was an excellent choice to lead MSCoE, but the fact that he came into the Army is somewhat amazing.

"I came from an Air Force Family. My father was retired Air Force and I moved around quite a bit from base to base, so I think he naturally thought I would follow in his footsteps," Murphy said.

Murphy's love of the military started in high school, excelling in the Junior ROTC program.

"When I came home and told my mother that I enlisted, she wasn't surprised at all - after all, I had been military all my life," Murphy said.

Forty Future Soldiers braved the rain, wind and unseasonably cold temperatures May 4 to participate in a swearing-in ceremony prior to the 139th running of Kentucky Derby at Louisville's Churchill Downs.

The Future Soldiers, from central and eastern Kentucky and southern Indiana, were sworn in by Lt. Col. Ryan M. McCabe, commander of the Nashville Army Recruiting Battalion.

Future Soldier Austin Messersmith, a Louisville native, is slated to enter the Army's special operations community.

"It's a one-time experience," Messersmith said. "I will never get to be a part of something like this ever again."

Unlike many of his counterparts, Messersmith has attended the Kentucky Derby in the past, but said being at the race this year representing the Army made this experience unique.

"I've been here a few times, but never got to experience the stuff I did today. It's great being part of the Army camaraderie and to see how the crowd looks at you as you walk through."

Actor Anthony Anderson, best known for his role in the NBC-TV show "Law & Order," gave the young Future Soldiers a thumbs up and shouted, "Army Strong!" as he walked by.

Lt. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, incoming U.S. Army Forces Command commanding general, was the guest speaker during an Ordnance Basic Officer Leader Course graduation ceremony May 6. The ceremony was just one stop during his visit to the Combined Arms Support Command. (U.S. Army photo by Keith Desbois)

The Combined Arms Support Command hosted a visit by Lt. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, incoming U.S. Army Forces Command commanding general, May 6, to highlight current training and materiel initiatives.

CASCOM is responsible for training over 180,000 students annually, through 541 courses taught by the Ordnance, Quartermaster and Transportation schools, Soldier Support Institute and Army Logistics University. It is also a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.

While visiting CASCOM, Allyn took the opportunity to share his thoughts with students graduating from ALU's Ordnance Basic Officer Leader Course. During his remarks, he advised the young officers as well as congratulated them on their accomplishment.

"We don't get to pick our missions, and when called, our nation depends upon us to always deliver," Allyn said. "All of you will contribute significantly in writing the next chapters of our Army and nation's history."

After the ceremony, Allyn proceeded to the Ordnance School for a tour of the facility. While there, he had the opportunity to speak with students and view the different training departments.

Col. Douglas Gabram, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence deputy commander, and Col. Anton Leshinskas, senior Australian representative, lay a wreath down at the 135th Assault Helicopter Company Memorial in Veterans Park April 25 at a dawn service. (U.S. Army photo by Sara E. Martin)

A community of military Aviators from all over the world gathered April 25 at Veterans Park to celebrate Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day, a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, which is celebrated much like the American Memorial and Veterans' Days.

The day is celebrated on Fort Rucker with a gunfire breakfast, a dawn service, ANZAC biscuits and a game of two up, according to Australian Army Lt. Col. Stephen Jobson, CSC, Fort Rucker Australian Army Aviation Liaison officer and master of the ceremony.

"This day is celebrated all over the world from Egypt to England, from New Zealand to North America," he said as he thanked the many officers from Germany to Canada for attending the ceremony.

ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I in 1915. It honors the ANZAC members who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey. It now more broadly commemorates all those who died and served in military operations for Australia and New Zealand, according to Jobson.

"During the 1920s, Anzac Day became established as a National Day of Commemoration for the 60,000 Australians and 18,000 New Zealanders who died during the war," he said.

TRADOC This Week is the official newsletter of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. Contents of TRADOC This Week are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government or the U.S. Army. The appearance of advertising found on links included in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Army.